Unusual Events In London

Unusual Events in London Review: Belle Epoque

This event is so good I almost don’t want to tell you about it!  Yet again the BandH group have outdone themselves producing a breath-taking, sell out experience. Belle Epoque is set in the Shoreditch Studios with its 3 different bars. Upon arrival you’re instantly drawn to the lavish red velvet draped from the hall’s balcony and the acrobatic hoops hanging tantalisingly from the ceiling..a hint at the entertainment to come.

Belle Époque is French for “Beautiful Era”. A period in European social history which began during the late 19th century and lasted until World War I, it was characterised by new technological and medical discoveries and optimisms, occurring during the time of the French Third Republic and the German Empire. The Belle Époque was named in retrospect, when it came to be considered a “golden age”.

Whilst Belle Epoque isn’t a night which strictly adheres to the style of the era in question, the night wouldn’t be as good if it did. Like all BandH events wearing jeans is quite simply not an option, the men dressed as gentlemen and the ladies opted for a look reminiscent of a sophisticated Moulin Rouge.

I would advise you to position yourself as close as you can to the stage or up in the balcony to get the most out of the entertainment which was refreshingly different: Piano Playing Burlesque, a trio of Can Can dancers, even the comparatively normal rope acrobatics still astounded in such a personal venue.  The venue does get hot…but who cares about that when you are having this much fun dancing away to a band followed by a DJ – both of whom did a fantastic job balancing a modern day good time but set in a Beautiful Era.

A fantastic night to be highly recommended!

Unusual Events in London Review the  Prohibition Party

Having Googled 1920′s clothing I established the options for men looked limited so decided to keep it cool and classic - slim black suit, red braces, shiny black shoes, topped off with a trilby and a red rose in my lapel, it was valentine’s weekend after all!  I’m very glad I made the effort though as everyone and I mean EVERYONE was dressed up and looked amazing, it was like walking on to the set of Goodnight Sweetheart, it would appear time machines really do exist.

The first thing I should say about Prohibition is that it’s a very sexy event and why not? The 1920′s was a sexy time! A little secret for you guys too, in stark contrast to your average bar where men outnumber women, at Prohibition glamorous ladies sporting sophisticated red pouts abound!

The night kicked off with a game of roulette, unfortunately my double or nothing strategy back fired when I lucked out on four spins in a row, to double up would have cost my house!  Thankfully it was only pretend money…  The venue had 3 bars and whilst it took a while to get served this provided a good opportuinity to chat to other Prohibitioners.   Favourite drink of the night had to be the absinthe cocktail, though as you can imagine you don’t want to be taking on board too many of those babies, woooohooo!

The night’s entertainment was good, it kicked off with a feather clad Burlesque dancer, a treat for the men but surprisingly equally appreciated by the women…definitely the age of equality.  The rest of the night we rocked and swung away to a fabulous 1920′s Prohibition band. 

All in all my friends and I had a wonderful time, the accoustics could have been better and the toilets were a little full but this was due to a last minute change of venue which was out of the organiser’s hands. Despite this they still managed to put on a thoroughly enjoyable night and I look forward to their other events The Blitz Party, La Belle Epoque and The Chap Olympiad…be warned though, you’ll need to book early as these tickets sell like hot cakes!!